Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second five-year term on Tuesday, a ceremony taking place while his primary opponent remains detained on treason charges. Hichilema secured a decisive victory in the August 13 election, capturing 60% of the vote according to official results. His closest rival, Brian Mundubile, who garnered 38%, has alleged irregularities in the vote tallying process.
Mundubile was unable to pursue a legal challenge to the election outcome, as the courts were reportedly inaccessible on the final day for filing such a case. Election observers noted that while the polling day itself was largely peaceful, some raised concerns regarding the vote tabulation process. Specifically, European Union observers pointed to instances where tallying center staff did not immediately record results on tally sheets as they were announced. They also cited a lack of robust verification between digital entries and paper records, and noted that returning officers frequently paused proceedings awaiting instructions from their headquarters.
The day after the election, security forces conducted a raid on a property in the capital, Lusaka, associated with Mundubile. During this operation, a former cabinet minister was killed, and several opposition politicians were arrested. Authorities have accused the opposition of planning an armed insurrection, claims which have been denied by the opposition.
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, had reportedly gone into hiding prior to their detention by police last week. They were formally charged over the weekend.
When Hichilema, 64, first took office in 2021, Zambia was grappling with a recent default on its international debt and an annual inflation rate exceeding 24%. Hichilema, a former businessman, has since been credited with stabilizing the economy through debt restructuring and rebuilding relationships with foreign creditors. While inflation has decreased, the cost of living remains a challenge for many citizens.
Hichilema aims to continue the economic development he initiated during his first term. Several African leaders, including Botswana's President Duma Boko and Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Hichilema will be sworn in alongside his running mate, Mutale Nalumango.